The Complexities Of Fertility Medication
Fertility medications are drugs prescribed to patients trying to conceive. These drugs are prescribed by a doctor and vary depending on the assisted reproductive technology (ART) the patient is using. Some classes of fertility medication stimulate the ovaries by triggering the pituitary gland to release hormones. Another class of medication used primarily during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles stops early ovulation. Pharmacy hubs work closely with drug manufacturers to carry the fertility medications the patient needs.
What is a pharmacy hub?
A pharmacy hub offers a variety of services and acts as a liaison among manufacturers, prescribers, patients, and insurance companies. Pharmacy hubs provide services like clinical monitoring, adherence, reimbursement, distribution, and outcomes reporting. Pharmacy hubs work with every stakeholder to ensure a streamlined process from medication delivery to dispersion.
The difference between specialty pharmacies and pharmacy hubs
Specialty pharmacies and pharmacy hubs are not the same type of facility. Specialty pharmacies carry rare medications like orphan drugs that cannot be found at most standard pharmacies. These unique pharmacies are equipped with special storage facilities to house drugs and trained staff to distribute medication. Pharmacy hubs may act as the middleman between the manufacturer and the specialty pharmacy. Pharmacy hubs also work directly with insurance carriers and manufacturers to handle the financial aspect of medication distribution. Hubs also help manufacturers with risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) reporting for new drugs.
Providing reimbursement services
Pharmacy hubs can process insurance claims directly from the medical provider. Therefore, hubs can investigate a patient's insurance benefits. In addition to insurance verification, hubs identify which medications have co-pays and prior authorizations, along with researching formulary requirements. Formulary requirements are the insurance plan's criteria for approving a specific drug for coverage. A pharmacy hub can investigate all this information and provide the findings directly to the medical provider and the patient.
The benefits of clinical monitoring through a pharmacy hub
Pharmacy hubs provide supply clinical monitoring services to providers and patients. While under the care of the hub, pharmacies can perform blood work and monitor the efficacy and treatment of fertility drugs. The hub can even evaluate the patient to determine if additional testing or medications are needed. Pharmacy hubs are equipped with trained nurses and doctors that will make house calls to teach patients how to properly administer medications. These medical professionals will also monitor patients and recommend other medical services.
Should I use a pharmacy hub or a specialty pharmacy?
Patients in need of fertility medications should research specialty pharmacies and pharmacy hubs. Ideally, patients should opt for a pharmacy hub that has a specialty pharmacy onsite. Many pharmacy hubs are equipped with specialty pharmacies that provide or easily source fertility medications. Finding a facility that does everything will make the medical process easier for insurance carriers, healthcare providers, and patients.
Speak to a fertility specialist
A fertility specialist will have considerable experience dealing with specialty pharmacies and pharmacy hubs. A specialist will be able to offer referrals to pharmacy hubs and provide patients with additional information regarding these medical facilities. People undergoing fertility treatment should discuss pharmacy options with a doctor.
